Anchor Foster Care

As an agency that prides itself on putting children at the heart of everything and maintaining a family-focused service, we are incredibly proud to not only share our 'Outstanding' rating from Ofsted, but to also see references of our "exceptionally strong" family support and 'thriving' children noted in our latest report.

Every child deserves hope and it's what drives us every day.

Think you'd like to become a foster parent at an agency rated Outstanding by Ofsted? Get in touch! We're waiting to take your call: https://anchorfostercare.co.uk/contact-us/

We have excellent news to share...

Anchor Foster Care has been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted following our 2026 inspection!

In the report that followed, inspectors noted our unwavering commitment and support to foster parents, plus our family approach to running the agency - we couldn't be more proud.

Please join us in congratulating every member of the Anchor Team and our extended Anchor Family for their hard work in achieving such a momentous achievement.

Well done to everyone involved.

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Interested in joining us? We are hiring a range of roles right now and we're always on the look out for new foster families across seven regions in the UK. Learn more, by visiting our website: anchorfostercare.co.uk/

Anchor Foster Care is a not-for-profit fostering agency that has provided high-quality foster care since 2002.

As an independent fostering agency our approach has always been a child centred, and family focused approach and now we've been rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted!

Read about this and everything else that makes us different, by visiting our website now: https://anchorfostercare.co.uk/anchor-ofsted-report/

It's one of the first questions that gets asked, when someone says they're a foster parent. So here's everything you might want to know about being a foster parent with Anchor:

1. It takes approximately four months to qualify as a foster parent with Anchor and you could earn up to £62,400 a year with Anchor.

2. We offer comprehensive support to all foster parents at the assessment stage, and throughout their time with us.

3. As well as benefiting from a generous allowance, you’ll also get extensive training, both face-to-face and online, helping you gain new skills and enhance your existing ones.

4. Every one of our foster parents gets personalised support, professional training and development opportunities.

5. We also arrange specialist training for more complex behaviours, complex disabilities, parent and child and other specialist placements.

In addition to this, we also offer:

- Up to 21 days’ paid respite
- 24/7 support
- Summer activities for both foster and birth children
- Membership to The Fostering Network
- Regular support groups
- Seasonal activities for children
- Acknowledgement of special occasions, such as birthdays and achievements.

As the start of a new primary school year begins, for one group of individuals, there will be much discussion about choosing a new secondary school for next year.

But how can foster parents select the best school for their child?

Read below our top tips for finding yours:

1. Start with a conversation

Discuss with your child about what they want from a school, along with their fears and worries about starting a new school too. Make clear the discussion is a safe space and they can speak openly without argument. Also discuss their needs, strengths, and interests too.

2. Then, do some research.
Check websites, prospectuses, and Ofsted reports and attend an open day if you can. It's often better if you can visit a school when it's a normal school day, so you can get a 'feel' for the place. When you visit ask your child what they like and dislike about the school and write down what they say.

3. Ask for opinions
Talk to your child's teacher, and to other parents, to get a broad perspective before making a decision. This will help to make sure you don't make a decision based purely on a school's academic performance. Try and understand more about a school's ethos, pastoral care, and extracurricular offerings too.

While much focus needs to go on a child or young person entering foster care, we believe that just as much focus needs to be spent on the parent caring for that individual.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we're proud that our approach isn't governed by making a profit, but instead by doing what's best for both parent and child/young person. In fact, we pride ourselves on offering more support and better training than a standard Independent Fostering Agency.

By offering 24/7 support, comprehensive training, and individualised care plans, our goal is always to ensure the very best outcomes for both foster parent and child. Because every child deserves hope.

Did you know that all Anchor foster parents can earn an extra £1,000, for referring new foster parents to us?

It's just one of the many rewards on offer, when you become a foster parent with Anchor.

Others include:

- Membership to The Fostering Network, including legal protection insurance cover, for all foster parents
- Membership to CoramBAAF (British Association for Adoption and Fostering), also providing professional, legal and financial advice, plus
- Professional development opportunities.

We also celebrate Birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions, sending flowers and gifts in recognition of all our parents.

Want to know more about being a foster parent with Anchor?

Visit the 'Pay & Benefits' page on the website: check the link in our bio.

Get Moving This National Fitness Day! 🏃‍♂️💪

🌟 At Anchor Foster Care, we believe that fitness is not just about exercise; it’s about building healthy habits and creating joyful memories with children. And as today is National Fitness Day, we want to encourage everyone to get active and embrace the joy of movement together.

Here are just five fun ways to get moving today:

- Take a Hike! Explore local trails and try a new route, that you've never explored before.
- Hold a 'dance-off': Put on your favourite tunes and have a dance party! Dancing is a great way to express emotions and burn off some energy.
- Try a new sport: Whether it’s basketball, tennis, or swimming, find out what your child enjoys and find a group where they can grow their curiosity.
- Run an outdoor game: Organise a scavenger hunt or relay race in your back garden or a local park, encouraging teamwork and creativity.
- Join a new class: Many local fitness classes are now family friendly, whether it’s yoga, martial arts, or even a fun run. Have a look at what's going on in your area, and get involved.

What are you doing to get moving today?

Share your ideas below 👇

Anchor foster parents - don't forget...

Our next Paediatric First Aid Course in Kent takes place on September 22nd from 10am – 2pm in Chatham. Our expert trainers will give you all of the knowledge and skills you need to deal with a medical emergency in the home.

Paediatric First Aid Courses are part of the requirements of the Fostering Services National Minimum Standards. All foster parents must satisfy these requirements to qualify for the minimum standards.

We are proud to provide these courses free-of-charge for all Anchor foster parents.

To book your space, visit: https://anchorfostercare.co.uk/training/paediatric-first-aid-kent-3/

Insurance is an important part of becoming and being a foster parent with Anchor. But do you know the right questions to ask? Here is our list of everything you need to know...

While you don’t need specialist home insurance, we do strongly recommend you inform your insurance company of your new career, as this may be considered a ‘change in circumstances’ that could affect your policy.

Here are some key questions you can also ask, to make sure you are protected and risk free.

- Are there any restrictions, exclusions or reductions to the policy?
- What is the process in claiming for foster carer insurance?
- If I get a new placement or a placement leaves, do I need to inform you?
- Do you cover accidental damage done by a foster child?
- Do you cover intended damage done by a foster child?
- Do you cover my foster child’s possessions?
- Is there a limit to the number of foster children?
- Is there a team dedicated to foster carer’s policy? If so, is there someone I can get advice from if needed?
- Do I need to inform you if a foster child has a criminal background? / Does the policy cover this?

One home insurance provider that specialises in home insurance for foster carers is Towergate Insurance.

And with Anchor, you get a membership to The Fostering Network. New members get 10% off Towergate Insurance. Visit our website to learn more.